Usually, roadsters imply compromise, but the 2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro skimps on neither performance nor cabin gadgets. The convertible version of Audi's unique little coupe gets a remake for 2008, with some minor exterior updates and a full range of interior tech. But along with this incredible performance comes a high price, suggesting person's toy.
roadster deemphasizes the of its predecessor's body and breaks up the smooth sides with a more distinct. It looks like a slab on wheels, but Audi proves that a slab can be sculpted. The headlights and grille give the front end a distinct face, while the curved trunk lip has a retractable spoiler. The convertible top works effortlessly, lowering and raising at the push of a button, and latching itself down without driver interventionSunday, August 1, 2010
Audi TT 3.2 Quattro 2dr Hatchback
Audi TT 3.2 Quattro
Usually, roadsters imply compromise, but the 2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro skimps on neither performance nor cabin gadgets. convertible version of Audi's unique little coupe gets a remake for 2008, with some minor exterior updates and a full range of interior tech. along with this incredible performance comes a high price, suggesting person's toy.
roadster deemphasizes the curviness of its predecessor's body and breaks up the smooth sides with a more distinct beltline. It looks like a slab on wheels, but Audi proves that a slab can be sculpted. The headlights and grille give the front end a distinct face, while the curved trunk lip has a retractable spoiler. The convertible top works effortlessly, lowering and raising at the push of a button, and latching itself down without driver intervention.
Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0T Quattro
Audi TT Coupe
Our week with Audi's second-generation Coupe came soon after our earlier test of the Audi Roadster. We enjoyed the convertible version enough to give Choice award, mainly thanks tounflappable performance and roster of available tech options.
Coupe similarly impressed us, with its dynamic performance benefiting slightly from the inherently stiffer chassis that comes with a fixed roof versus a retractable one. Our test Coupe didn't include the navigation option, just as the Roadster hadn't, and worse, did without our droptop's magnetic ride suspension, but we did get dedicated iPod dock in the glovebox this time around.
Audi S5
We were impressed with the look of the Audi A5, when we saw it launched at the Geneva auto show earlier this year. But when the 2008 Audi S5 turned up on our car review schedule, we were pleased and surprised to get the S5 before the A5. As it turns out, Audi brought the S5 to market and as of this review, the A5 is not available. That's OK, though, as the S5 is not only beautiful, it is just about perfect.
We loved driving this car, as it felt highly responsive while the engine gives a blast of power. Audi refined its navigation and Bluetooth systems, then upped the ante with a stellar Olufsen stereo system. At first, we found nothing to criticize about this car. But some issues emerged as we took it on our road tests.
Audi A4 2.0T Quattro Turbo 6M
The A4's dismal iPod integration, bizarre audio options, and dated navigation system give it some of the weakest cabin technology available on a premium sedan. The 2008 A4 demonstrates Audi's ability to run with the competition when it comes to performance, but the car's imminent cabin-tech upgrade can't come soon enough.
Audi A4 2.0T Quattro
The bad: The A4's dismal iPod integration, bizarre audio options, and dated navigation system give it some of the weakest cabin technology premium sedan.
The bottom line: The 2008 A4 demonstrates Audi's ability to run with the competition comes performance, but the car's imminent cabin-tech upgrade can't come soon enough.
The premium sports-sedan market is generating a lot of competition for the 2008 Audi A4. With a recently updated 3-Series from BMW, a totally revamped C-Class from Mercedes Benz, and respectable contenders from and Lexus, the current Audi A4 is beginning to look a little out of its depth. The bread-and-butter of model lineup is itself due for a complete overhaul later this year. From a technology perspective, we're expecting to see some of the goodies that so impressed us recently in the 2008 Audi A5. We are particularly eager to see the departure of the current-generation A4's ill-thought-out digital-audio interface, which had us pulling our hair out during our week with the car. On the performance front, the turbocharged 2-liter A4 still holds its own against much of the larger-displacement competition, while Audi's legendary Quattro gives it go-cart handling.
The audio options on the Audi A4 are a study in confusion. The standard model comes with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, activated by the CD button on the car's head unit. So far, so good. Sirius Satellite radio is also available on the non-navigation A4, but is activated by the FM" button on the head unit.